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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Hiatus

by L.A. Witt

Date of Publication: July 19, 2016

Blurb

Three's a disaster when things come unraveled.Rock star Nate Keller is on top of the world, but his headlining tour has one drawback. It keeps him away from his boyfriends, Theo and Cameron, for weeks at a time. Yet after four-and-a-half years—and a lot of hard work—the trio is still going strong.But then Cam comes to visit with devastating news. After seventeen years together, he and Theo have agreed to a trial separation. Nate tries desperately to fix his lovers' broken relationship, but there's only so much he can do from the road.At home, Cam tries to carry on, but feels like his whole life is spiraling out of control. Theo struggles to cope with the split as his depression worsens. They're both spinning their wheels, quickly losing hope they can keep it together—and keep the man they both still love.Desperate, Nate drops everything in a last-ditch attempt to pull their trio back together before they hit rock bottom. Except their love could already be shattered beyond repair.Warning: Contains two men who must face how broken they are before they can fix their failing marriage, and the man who loves them both—but doesn't know how to save them.

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The cab driver punched it into his GPS, turned on the meter, and pulled away from the fairgrounds. The enormous parking lot had mostly cleared out, but there were still a few people making their way back to their cars, so I kept my baseball cap pulled over my eyes. As much as I adored my fans, and still couldn’t believe they’d recognize me—never mind mob me—I had somewhere else I needed to be tonight.

In my lap, I turned on my phone and texted my boyfriend, Cameron.

Leaving now. Be there in 20.

Then I turned the phone over and grinned in the darkness. Cam and his husband, Theo, had flown in this afternoon. I hadn’t seen them in three weeks—not since they’d met me like this at another hotel in another city—and I’d been climbing the walls every night. Skyping, texting, and e-mailing only did so much to make up for the lack of physical contact while I was out on tour. For the last seven months, I’d been on the road, only occasionally dropping back into LA, and in between, seeing them whenever they could meet me. Seven months down, at least five to go, assuming more dates weren’t added again.

Technically, we had an open relationship. Especially while I was out on the road, they had no problem with me hooking up with other guys. The same went for them. The only rules were we had to use condoms with other people, and with each other if we’d been with anyone else.

In practice, though, they were monogamous except for me, and despite the option being open, I hadn’t touched anyone. My band thought it was hilarious—now that we’d actually made it big and could act like the rock stars we’d always thought we were, I was practically celibate. Go figure.

But I didn’t want anyone else. For the last four and a half years, the only men I’d touched were the two who’d welcomed me into their bed and their marriage. I was one lucky bastard too. They were sweet, generous, and both were dynamite between the sheets.

Didn’t hurt that they were gorgeous too. They were different, and yet somehow complemented each other. Fair-skinned Cam, who never managed to get any color despite living in Los Angeles. Theo, who could tan just looking at a photo of a beach. They both worked out and looked the part, and even though they’d long ago left the world of high-powered investment banking, they still looked that part too. Theo kept his dark hair short and professional. Cam looked studious and serious whether or not he had on his glasses. Small wonder they’d caught my eye that first night, since they’d both been wearing shirts and ties.

I shivered. God, those two were the reason business attire had been invented.

My phone buzzed. I turned it over, and Cam had written back.

Rm 1128. See you soon.

I put the phone down again and rolled my stiff shoulders. I was seriously tempted to ask him for a massage tonight, but damn it, he hadn’t come here to work. He and Theo were here so we could f*ck each other senseless, which would tide us over until the next tour stop where they could meet me.

Carra's Review

Talk about a story that will break your heart. Hiatus did that to me over and over for more than half of the story...but you know what? I loved it. Why would I love a book that hurt my heart? Because it has some wonderful characters who are beautiful yet flawed, a plot that grabbed my attention and kept it hostage for every page, and writing that flowed so well that I didn't realize how quickly the time was passing.

I really, really loved all three main characters. I quickly fell for each one of them, and their unique personalities and issues had me caring about all of them right from the start. I was fully invested in their relationship and became even more so with every page that passed by. Nate, Cam and Theo are intriguing on their own, but together--Nate and Cam, Nate and Theo, Theo and Cam...and all three together--the interactions are intense in every configuration, not to mention the tremendous chemistry in the couplings and threesome. When it comes to communication and working on their problems though, that's where you can see the obvious breakdown.

There was a constant stream of drama, angst and arguments, contrasted with a lot of steamy sex scenes. If you're not a fan of large amounts of turmoil and pain in your stories, be forewarned that Hiatus is filled with this for at least three quarters of the book. That said, I was happy with the way things ended up...though honestly the resolution and happy parts at the end could have been extended a bit to help balance out all the issues and sadness. Again, this type of story is not going to be everyone's cup of tea; truthfully, this is not normally how I like the books I read to go. But something in it kept my heart fully involved, and in the end I was immensely satisfied with this book.

I give Hiatus 4.5 stars, and recommend this to M/M romance fans who prefer their stories on the high side of the angst and drama spectrum. This is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and explicit, intense M/M sexual content. The story is told from Nate, Cam and Theo's points of view, so you'll get a lot of depth and much more understanding of each character and their thoughts and feelings throughout the entire story.

About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn't lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don't tell Lauren. And definitely don't tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

Bestselling author Julie Cross teams up with international model Mark Perini to create You Before Anyone Else, a poignant and authentic contemporary YA novel and companion to Halfway Perfect

The supportive friend, the reliable daughter, the doting big sister: Finley is used to being the glue that holds everyone together. But while her sweet demeanor makes her the perfect confidant, her wholesome look isn’t landing her the high-paying modeling jobs, which are what Finley needs if she is going to reopen her mother’s dance studio.

Enter Eddie. He’s intense and driven, not to mention the life of every party, and he completely charms Finley. The last thing she wants is another commitment to stand in the way of her dreams, but when she’s with Eddie, their chemistry takes over and she can let go of her responsibilities and just be. After all, what’s so wrong about putting herself first once in a while?

Except Eddie is hiding a secret. A big secret. And when it surfaces, he and Finley are going to have to choose between their love for each other and everything else…

Julie Cross is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult and Young Adult fiction, including the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, Timestorm (St. Martin’s Press).

She’s also the author of Letters to Nowhere series, Whatever Life Throws at You, Third Degree, Halfway Perfect, and many more to come!

Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She’s a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics Program Director with the YMCA.

She’s a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres.

Outside of her reading and writing credibility’s, Julie Cross is a committed–but not talented–long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict.

Mark Perini is a New York City based author debuting his first YA novel, Halfway Perfect. Additionally, Mark is a featured author in the NA anthology, Fifty First Times.

Mark began his career as an international fashion model when he was 18 years old, while simultaneously obtaining a business degree from Seton Hall University. He has a passion for traveling the world, and he’s made a blood pact with friends to see all seven ancient wonders of the world before he’s thirty. Four down three to go.

Julie Cross and Mark Perini, along with Tasty Book Tours, are celebrating those who have taken the steps to Break the Mold on society’s expectations, like Finley, the heroine from YOU BEFORE ANYONE ELSE! We are looking for anyone who would like to share their story and be entered to win a 2017 Erin Condren Life Planner!

Head over to fb.me/TastyBookTours and leave a comment with your story. Feel free to share picture of your journey and use #breakingthemold at the end of your comment!

Entries must be in by 11:59pm, Aug 15th, 2016. No purchase necessary to enter. If under 12 years old, you must have approval by a guardian to enter.

In all his relationships, Darren Fielding never found the level of intimacy he witnessed between Thomas Williams and his sub, Peter, the day of Peter’s “rebirth.” Not only that, he never realized such intimacy was possible. For two years, Thomas’s business card has been burning a hole in his wallet. When Darren’s lover moves on, maybe it’s finally time to see where that card takes him.

Collars & Cuffs’s new barman, JJ Taylor, is really conflicted right now. He went to the club with a very specific purpose, already convinced of what he’d find there. Except it’s not what he expected at all. He certainly didn’t anticipate finding himself drawn to the new wannabe Dom. Nor could he have guessed the direction that attraction would lead him.

Old love, new love, vows, pain, rage, moving in, moving on…. The members of Collars & Cuffs face an event that touches some of them deeply, but it will only reinforce what they already know: together they are stronger, and some bonds cannot be broken.

Pages or Words: 121,429

Categories: Contemporary, BDSM, Fiction, M/M Romance

Excerpt

“Honey, I’m home.”

Alex laughed and came out of the kitchen to greet his husband. “We’ve talked about this, right? You do not walk into this apartment and talk to me like I’m the little wife.”

Leo kissed him soundly on the cheek. “Aw, but you’d look great in an apron, holding a glass of beer out for your weary, hard-working hubby.” He smirked. “And besides, no one in their right mind would call you little.”

Alex quirked his eyebrows. “One, you don’t drink beer, which is why there’s a glass of chilled chardonnay on the living room table, waiting for you. Two, excuse me—weary? Hard-working? You’ve been standing around in leather chaps and a harness, watching while guys do all manner of things to each other, which probably included a lot of f*cking, because, hey, it’s Saturday night, right?”

From the moment I started this series, I knew it was something different and special. My socks were knocked off with the first book, and each subsequent story just continued to expand this world and family-yes family-to the point that as a reader I was experiencing the same emotions as the characters. You can't help but become fully immersed in every one of their lives, struggles and achievements. Endings and Beginnings is a wonderful conclusion to this series, while at the same time giving us the story of a brand new couple.

To me, the way the story is told is a tad different than the rest. Whereas the other books each primarily concentrate on the couple featured in that particular book with a few other characters' points of view scattered within, here in the final book of the series there are a lot more of those supporting characters' points of view to help them all bring closure--and new beginnings--to all of their stories, while still paying full attention to Darren and JJ's relationship. With the additional POVs being much more plentiful here, this read almost like what watching a television show feels like, moving smoothly from one story arc to another without compromising the integrity of Darren and JJ's story. I rather enjoyed this as it had my full attention every moment I was reading as I anticipated hearing more about all the wonderful couples from this series.

As for Darren and JJ...I loved them both. For two people who are new to the BDSM lifestyle, they seem to fit right in. Darren already knows about responsibility and taking care of people since he runs his own business, and his smooth, protective, firm demeanor make him a natural fit for the role of a Dom. JJ has trust issues, and has a link to the rest of the Collars & Cuffs family that is unexpected. When Darren and JJ meet, something just clicks between them...which leads to some of the most passionate chemistry I've seen in this series. JJ's tendency to run from situations and Darren's protective personality help move things along swiftly for them, also ramping up the intensity between the two men.

I love the descriptive writing in not just this book but in the entire series. It really brings the scenes to life and as a reader made me really FEEL as I read. Feel the emotions, feel the pain, feel the LOVE and yes, feel hot and bothered. The overwhelming message is about love, trust, and family, and that message is delivered loud and clear in every page, chapter and book in the series.

Ending and Beginnings will put you through a full range of emotions, and for me it was a 4.5-star read. I highly recommend this book and the entire series to M/M romance and M/M BDSM romance fans 18+ for adult language and explicit erotic sexual content. It is important to note--this is the final book in an 8-book series, and you really need to read the first seven books before starting this one or you will not understand many things that are going on. Don't worry--it's a fantastic series overall and by the time you're done, you'll feel like a part of the Collars & Cuffs family too. I sure did, and I'll surely be re-reading the series...because now that I'm done with it I'm already missing the characters.

Series Recap

Want to know what I thought of the first seven books? Check out the links here to my reviews:

God, the sound of flesh slapping against flesh never failed to make my d*ck chafe against my leathers. Tonight definitely wasn’t an exception. The group room had been filled to the brim since early on, and the writhing mass of men showed no signs of abating. Not that I wanted it to. Ever since we opened Collars & Cuffs, Thomas and I had seen a steady growth in new memberships. At least the ones we accepted.

There were many that Thomas said no to, without much more than a cursory glance at their applications. When they said they’d been a Dom at Spitfire, that was a warning flag to us. If it hadn’t been for Ben telling us about Eli, I don’t know that we would have accepted him.

Spitfire represented the worst of the worst as far as BDSM clubs go. They didn’t vet their members, so anyone could walk through the door if they were willing to pay. That rankled us both. The thought that anyone could be so careless with something as precious as a submissive caused our blood to boil.

We’d heard stories that made our skin crawl about what happened at their after parties. No safe words, no dungeon masters. Just a mob of people, shouts, crying, pleading for someone to stop hurting them. Just no. They weren’t a BDSM club at all, just a bunch of cruel men who got their jollies however they could.

The sound of a grunt on the floor told me that someone had just come. I grinned, because I knew that in thirty-eight minutes, my own boy would walk through the door, and in thirty-nine minutes, he’d be naked, on his knees, and sucking me deep.

I try to keep my thoughts away from Spitfire. Tonight isn’t one for reflection, but I can’t help it. After dealing with Curtis Rogers, we’ve seen some of the worst humanity had to offer. When I gaze across the room, seeing the rapturous faces of the subs who’ve been given the okay by their Dom to get their release, I know this is what it’s all about.

A partnership. Growing together. Taking something strong and making it unbreakable.

“Leo? It was a slow night, so Sev let me leave a little early.”

I turn and find Alex, and my heart nearly bursts with his beauty. He’s nude, his slender form partially hidden by the shadows of the room. I reach out and grab his wrist, pulling him to me. This is mine, just as I’m his.

He slides slowly to his knees and takes me deep. I groan, and start a gentle thrust. Whatever thoughts had been consuming me are now gone. All that matters is my boy.

Because no matter what else happens, what Alex and I have is the most important thing of all.

Meet K.C. Wells:

Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. WELLS always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way. K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, when the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….

K.C. now writes full-time and is loving every minute of her new career. The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.

And as for those men in love that she writes about? The list of stories just waiting to be written is getting longer… and longer….

Good day! We are the voices that live inside Will’s head. The ones who whisper to him constantly, beckoning him to speak of our adventures, to tell of our love, and perhaps, if we’re in a mood, kill a person or two.

We guide his hand as he tells our tales where love is the most powerful force, but must be worked for, molded, and finally, embraced. There can be no shortcuts or substitutions on the path to a happily ever after.

We hope you will join with us as Will fulfills his obligation to ensure our stories are told and, we hope, enjoyed.

Synopsis

After yet another bad dream, Leland accepts he can no longer keep his secret; the time had come to confess all to his best friend, Drew. He sets out early in the morning, determined yet fearful of Drew’s reaction to what he must tell him. Leland has loved Drew ever since they were teenagers and together they experimented with their sexuality, but Drew has only ever been his best friend. He dreads maybe even losing that when Drew learns the truth.However, when halfway through the forest to Drew’s home, Leland is forced to take cover when he sees a large grey wolf tailing another man. His concern turns to shock when the man abruptly shifts to become a wolf and attacks the grey wolf.The fight is swift and bloody and ends when the man-wolf runs off. Leland gets his second shock of the morning when the grey wolf abruptly shifts to become human. To become Drew. Too surprised to do more than watch as his now very naked best friend rushes off, Leland is in for yet another surprise when he finally confronts Drew later that morning.

Excerpt

Perhaps fate had decided enough was enough and given him that proverbial kick up the backside, letting him know it was time to tell Drew everything. He sighed. It was the last thing he wanted, but the time had come; he could put it off no longer.He was just about to step out into a small clearing when he saw it—a large grey wolf, so dark as to be almost black. It was a beautiful specimen. Leland kept very still, not wanting to draw the animal’s attention. It looked as if the wolf was already trailing something by the way it was behaving. Even as he watched, the wolf sniffed the air and quickened its pace. Apparently, it had found its prey. As Leland slipped back behind the tree, shock slid through him as he spied the wolf’s target. It was a man.Leland was of two minds what to do. His immediate reaction was to shout a warning, but that could induce the wolf to attack sooner. Cursing himself for being a fool, Leland ran as quietly and swiftly as he could around the clearing toward the unsuspecting victim. Sliding to a halt behind a large tree, Leland saw the wolf lowering itself, as if getting set to spring. Leland opened his mouth to yell a warning, but the man was not as unaware as Leland assumed. The man spun to face the wolf, snarling and growling as he tore the clothes from his body. Leland, his mouth still hanging open, watched in total shock.Almost too fast for Leland to follow, the man’s form shifted and changed. From two feet, he dropped to all fours, fingers and toes becoming sharp claws. Pale skin sprouted dark brown fur as his face elongated and his teeth became sharp points frothed with saliva.The two wolves leapt at each other, meeting mid-flight to clash and fall to the earth, landing on steady feet, teeth bared as they snarled at each other. They circled, gazes locked, until they charged again.Leland gripped the tree so tightly the bark dug into his palms as he watched the two animals fight it out. He was battling the urge to run for safety, not sure if the wolves would break apart and come after him instead. His body was telling him to stay where he was, hopefully well and truly hidden, but his brain was debating how safe it would be when one of the animals won and sensed a new victim nearby. Even though he knew one of them was, in fact, a man who had changed—shifted?—into a wolf, Leland found it hard to think of it as anything but an animal. He certainly wasn’t behaving like a human as he bit and tore at the other wolf’s hide. Leland also wondered what sort of condition the man-wolf would be in, assuming he survived the fight. His body was already streaked with blood from the attack.It appeared the two wolves were well matched; neither seemed able to gain the upper hand in the battle. The dark grey wolf suddenly leapt and landed hard on the man-wolf’s back and he let out a howl, which soon turned into a snarl as he fought his way from beneath the dark grey animal. With a snap of his jaws and a growl, the man-wolf turned and ran for the cover of the trees opposite where Leland was hiding. The dark grey wolf tensed, as if to follow, before it limped a few steps back, eyes constantly searching the surrounding trees to ensure the other wolf didn’t return. After a few minutes, the wolf sat on its haunches and began to lick at its wounds.Leland allowed himself to relax a little, deciding it was best he stay where he was. He was pretty sure the wolf would sneak off to its den as soon as the animal felt secure enough to move on. He kept a close eye on it, not allowing his caution to slide, though after a minute or so, he did wonder if perhaps he was more shocked than he’d thought or if maybe he was more tired than he’d realized and his vision was affected. He couldn’t be seeing what he thought; he couldn’t!But as he watched Drew Horton climb to his feet from where a second ago a dark grey wolf had sat, still rubbing at the long gash on his thigh, Leland could no longer refute what his eyes were showing him.

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Meet the Author

STEVIE WOODS is a Brit living in the Northwest of England who has left her day job behind - though it’s a quandary that there still doesn’t seem to be much more free time in her day!A long time avid reader of romance with a dash of adventure, Stevie only stumbled over ‘slash’ pairings a few years ago and was an immediate convert. Having dabbled with writing on and off for years, it wasn’t long before Stevie was tapping away on the keyboard inventing stories around two hot guys, gaining her first publication in the summer of 2007.Stevie likes reading stories with a good strong plot and believable characters and does her best to create them in her own work.Stevie has a soft spot for Historical settings but also thoroughly enjoys SF and Fantasy, Paranormal and Contemporary, finding the similarities as intriguing as the differences. Stevie already has a variety of novels, novellas and short stories released by Phaze Books, MLR Press and Torquere Press.Stevie is happy to hear from her readers via her website: http://www.steviewoods.comShe can also be reached via:

Cody’s the sexy drummer extraordinaire of the hard rock band Oblivion.

Kitty’s the little sister of one of Cody’s band mates and she’s had a secret crush on him for years.

When the band are back home for a few days, the chemistry between them is both unexpected and undeniably off-the-charts.

She quickly realizes that the prospect of having what she’s always fantasized about is a very real possibility.

He quickly realizes that although he feels this mind-blowing attraction towards her, she’s the little sister of one of his band mates - he would get his ass kicked from here to hell if he ever laid a finger on her!

But can Kitty convince him? After all, no one else needs to know, a one-time hook-up might suit both of them…or could it ruin everything?

We’re all sitting around, drinking our beers. I’m slouched down on one of the armchairs that I’ve claimed as my own. I’m still twirling my drumsticks and tapping away on my legs and the surrounding furniture. I’m a couple or three beers in when I hear the door to the suite open. I glance across to see Nikki, our rhythm guitarist and his girl Trixie strolling in jovially, Nikki’s arm is draped over her shoulder and she’s securely tucked into his side.

I lift my head and somberly greet them, “Hey.”

Nikki bobs his head in acknowledgement and Trixie waves her hand to say hi. I expect them to close the door but instead the most stunning girl on the f*cking planet glides in behind them. She has smooth jet black hair that flows down her back and it’s so long it reaches her ass. She’s tall, probably almost as tall as me and her body rocks. She’s slim, but has nicely rounded hips and amazing tits. Her emerald green eyes are sparkling boldly as she scans the room confidently. I immediately jump up from my chair, drop my drumsticks to the floor and feel an undeniable rousing in my pants. Hell, maybe my day won’t be so bad after all. I feel better already!

F*ck, f*ck, f*ck! My muddled brain suddenly clicks and makes the connection as I realize that the hottie that has my body vibrating like a god-damned amplifier is Kitty, Nikki’s little sister. Holy Crap! Somebody turns the music down and everyone starts walking towards Kitty. My heart is beating so damned loud that I’m sure the whole room can hear it.

What the hell happened to Nikki’s little sister? I remember her as being a sweet little girl that we used to tease and let hang around the band. She’d bring us beers and dote over all of us, but especially me. Sure, she’s always been pretty and downright cute, but I’ve never thought of her as the unmistakable sex kitten she is now. She’s definitely grown up and she’s a complete and utter babe. She’s the perfect embodiment of everything I find totally irresistible in a chick. I want!

Sh*t, maybe I’ve had more to drink than I thought, but I definitely shouldn’t be thinking this way about Nikki’s little sister and I don’t know how to handle these sudden irrefutable cravings. My hand twitches and strums anxiously on my leg as the adrenaline courses through me and makes me want to jump around like a f*ckin’ crazy person.

Author Info

Tania Sparks is a romantic at heart who genuinely believes in true love and soul mates. She met her husband while still at school, she was sixteen, he was seventeen. They are high school sweethearts who more than twenty five years later are still very much in love and are happily married with two beautiful daughters.

Tania does have a full time job, but in her spare minutes enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and reading. She's an avid reader who tends to chomp through a large volume of books, mainly in the romance genre. Her other major 'hobby' is writing steamy rock star erotic romances!

In 2014, after finding herself constantly being inspired by numerous romance novels, she decided to try her hand at writing. After penning her first scene she discovered that she enjoyed it immensely and so resolved to continue with the rest of the story that was swirling in her imagination. That story resulted in her first novel, Heaven Sent which is the first book in her Oblivion on Tour Series. This was soon followed by Bolt From The Blue and Pure Torture. Each book in the series is a stand-alone story which follows a different band member from a hard rock group called Oblivion - and of course the feisty ladies that steal their hearts! The other books in the series are at various stages of completion.

Now-a-days Tania finds it very difficult to control her imagination and swears that her rock stars are constantly chanting their stories in her head. She can't wait to share them with you..

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